FLASH POINT

The North West Muslim Elders Forum has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to disregard recent statements made by the President of the Supreme Council for Shari’a in Nigeria (SCSN), Dr. Bashir Aliyu Umar, describing them as misleading and driven by personal interests.

In a statement signed by its Chairman, Sheikh Imam Zikrillah, the Forum said Dr. Bashir’s comments do not reflect the position of Muslim elders in the North West region.

The Forum criticised Dr. Bashir Aliyu Umar’s call for the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, describing the demand as unfounded and politically motivated. According to the elders, such calls could undermine public confidence in democratic institutions.

The statement also accused Dr. Bashir of attacking Federal Government policies, particularly recent tax reforms, with the intention of stirring public discontent and discrediting the administration of President Tinubu. The Forum maintained that the reforms are aimed at improving accountability and promoting national development.

On the Kano emirate crisis, the elders alleged that Dr. Bashir Aliyu Umar is attempting to pressure the Presidency to intervene in order to protect the interests of a close associate, Emir Sanusi Lamido Sanusi. They described such actions as an inappropriate use of religious influence for political purposes.

The Forum further alleged that Dr. Bashir’s opposition to tax reforms is a diversionary move meant to draw attention away from concerns surrounding the high school fees charged at a private institution owned by him.

The North West Muslim Elders Forum warned Nigerians to be cautious of individuals who use religious platforms to pursue personal or political agendas, and urged the President to remain focused on governance and reform efforts.